SAPS issue warning to parents after attempted kidnappings

The East London branch of the SAPS has issued a warning to community members to be vigilant regarding their children’s whereabouts at all times. The warning comes after two reported cases of attempted kidnapping.

“Cambridge police are investigating two cases of attempted kidnappings following reports of two incidents that took place in Cambridge and Vincent yesterday and Monday this week,” said Mdantsane cluster police spokesman Captain Nkosikho Mzuku.

One of the mothers targeted, Teoda Marcus from Gonubie, said she was walking to her car after fetching her son when she was approached by a man who was looking for directions.

“He asked if I knew where Selborne was and I put my son in the car as I explained to him. He said thank you and as I walked to my side of the car, he tried to open the door. I didn’t know what to do, I ran around and asked him what he was doing and he said ‘**** you’, pushed me, and walked away. Luckily I had locked my car,” she said.

Marcus said she then immediately drove to the police station to open a case.

“When I got to the police station to report what had happened, there was also another mother who was also opening a case because a man had walked into her son’s school in Cambridge and acted as if he was looking for his child. When she described him to me it sounded like the same guy who had approached me.

“It is not even the school, the school is secure. Please be careful, we never think these things would happen to us but they do, the world is scary,” she said.

“We would like to urge the members of the community to be more vigilant towards their children at all times,” said Mzuku.

The investigation is ongoing.